While you are making your digital presence, what is the first thing you do? A lot of the general populace might say, go with a website. But they are mistaken. The first step in building your digital presence is choosing a domain name. While many people do not pay much attention to it, they simply choose what is available, and choosing the right domain name is important. In this blog, we shall break down the relevance of a domain name and how you can choose the best one for your blogs.  

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is a unique name that identifies a website on the internet. It is the address that people use to access a website, such as www.element8.ae. 

A domain name consists of two main parts, the name itself and the domain extension. The name is the unique identifier that represents the website for instance, “element8” in the aforementioned example, while the domain extension is the suffix that follows the name and indicates the type of website or organization, such as .com, .org, .net, or .edu or “.ae” such as ours. 

Domain names are registered through domain name registrars, who ensure that each domain name is unique and not already in use by another website. Once a domain name is registered, it can be used for creating a website, hosting email addresses, posting blogs, and various other online services. 

Why is a Domain Name important?

A domain name is an essential element of any website, and it is important for several reasons such as:

1. Brand Identity

A domain name is often the first thing visitors encounter when they come to a website. It can help to establish a brand identity and build credibility for your website.

2. Memorability

A domain name that is short, easy to remember, and relevant to your brand or niche can make it easier for visitors to return to your website.

3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

A domain name that contains relevant keywords can help to improve your website’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).

4. Professionalism

Having a domain name that is unique to your brand or business can help to create a more professional image and increase trust with your audience.

5. Email Address

A domain name can also be used to create a professional email address that is associated with your brand or business.

6. Ownership

Registering a domain name gives you ownership and control over your website’s online identity and allows you to create a permanent web presence that can be used to promote your brand or business.

How to choose a Domain Name for your blog

Here are all the things you need to consider when choosing a domain name for your blog or website:

1. Choosing the Right Niche

To be able to choose the right domain name for your blog or website, you must first choose the right niche that you will either be catering to or creating. Basically, the niche is the carefully selected topic or area of service that your website or blog content revolves around. In short, it is the overarching light that determines the topics and themes you will be creating content for on your website, and through your blogs. 

2. Consider Your Target Audience

Your domain name should appeal to your target audience. It should resonate with them and attract their attention. Consider using keywords that relate to your niche or industry.

3. Choose Words Related to Your Blog that Reflect Your Brand

Your domain name should reflect the nature of your blog or brand. It should be relevant and help your audience to identify your niche and understand what your website is all about.

4. Curate the List of Your Competitor Domain Names

You must pay heed to your competitors, and learn from them before entering the market. Choosing a domain name is all about being creative and yet relevant, so you can also list the blogs that you enjoy reading in your scope of work or topic and see which domain name you find particularly interesting and why. 

5. Keep it Short, Simple, and Memorable

Shorter domain names are easier to remember and share on social media, emails, and other platforms. Aim for a domain name that is no more than 15 characters long. Your domain name should be easy to spell, pronounce, and remember, therefore avoid using hyphens, numbers, or unusual spellings that can confuse your audience.

6. Check Availability

Once you have some domain name ideas, check if they are available. Use a domain registrar website to see if your chosen domain name is already taken. If it is, consider tweaking it or using a different extension.

7. Choose a Trustworthy Domain Extension

A domain extension is a suffix that appears at the end of a domain name (.com, .org, .net, etc.). Use a well-known extension like .com or .org as they are more trustworthy and credible than other extensions.

8. Choose Names that Do Not Create Trademark Issues

Make sure that your chosen domain name is not infringing on any trademarks or copyrighted names, as it can lead to litigious consequences. 

What to do when the Domain Name you want is already taken?

Hello! It is 2023, therefore the chances of your first choice being somebody else’s are very high. But do not be deterred by this, wanting what you can’t have must not discourage you from trying and ideating on a new domain name concept. Isn’t it? 

• You can brainstorm a new domain name

Let the wheel of your ideas roll again, go back to the drawing board, and take a look at the list of domain name ideas that you came up with. So what if the first one is taken? Try to accentuate the second, third, and fourth names on the list. 

• Try a different domain extension

It is possible that you might not be getting “.com” or “.org” extensions for your domain name. However, you can start with a different domain extension such as “.net” or “.in” or “.ae” etc, and as your business grows, you can, later on, ask to buy the domain name. For example, ProBlogger began as “ProBlogger.net” and eventually bought the “.com” extension later on down the line after they’d built a remarkable brand around their blog.

Bottomline

In summary, domain names play a crucial role in establishing a brand identity, building credibility, and attracting visitors to a website. It is a crucial element of a blog, and it can impact your online visibility and relevance with your audience. Therefore remember, to choose a domain name for your blog or website that is relevant to your brand or niche, easy to remember, and professional.